Each year, we see certain recipes rise to the top, capturing the hearts (and taste buds) of thousands. These are the recipes that get saved, shared and rated five stars by readers who return to them week after week. From quick midweek dinners to indulgent bakes, these dishes have become staples in households up and down the country.
It’s clear that the nation’s appetite for delicious, reliable recipes shows no sign of waning. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started, there’s always room in your recipe repertoire for more inspiration. We know how important it is to have a collection of dishes you can turn to time and again — those crowd-pleasers that never let you down, as well as new discoveries that bring a spark of excitement to your everyday meals.
Alongside this year’s trending favourites, there’s a core collection of recipes that rarely leave the top of the charts. These are the recipes that have stood the test of time, with thousands of five-star ratings and a place in the nation’s heart. Every Sunday, for example, we see huge spikes as the nation whips up Yorkshire puds. These classics rarely budge from the nation’s favourites:
- Easy pancakes: the ultimate weekend treat, perfect with lemon and sugar or your favourite toppings.
- Banana bread: the bake that kept us all going – ideal for using up overripe bananas.
- Best Yorkshire puddings: no roast is complete without them – puffed-up, golden and gloriously crisp.
- Chilli con carne: a warming, versatile dish that’s brilliant for batch-cooking and sharing.
- Best spaghetti bolognese: a reliable family favourite that makes brilliant use of storecupboard staples
- Best ever chocolate brownies: fudgy, chocolatey and completely irresistible.
- Chocolate chunk cookies: soft in the middle, crisp at the edges – perfect with your afternoon tea.
- Ultimate spaghetti carbonara: creamy, silky pasta with pancetta and parmesan.
- Cottage pie: comfort food at its finest, topped with fluffy mash.
- Classic Victoria sandwich recipe: the quintessential British cake, sandwiched with jam and cream.
If you’re after a bit of dinner inspiration or simply curious about what everyone else is cooking, settle in and discover Good Food’s most popular recipes of 2025 – 15 dishes you couldn’t get enough of this year. Each one comes with a little insight into why it’s so loved, and how you can make it your own.
Good Food’s most popular recipes of 2025
1. Marry me chicken
If there’s one dish that has continued to take social media — and dinner tables — by storm this year, it’s marry me chicken. This creamy, sun-dried tomato chicken recipe is so irresistible, it’s said to inspire proposals. The appeal is obvious: it’s a one-pot wonder that delivers maximum flavour with minimal fuss, making it perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself midweek. One reader commented, “This is probably our favourite recipe from this site, great for family dinners but I also made a double batch for a family event and it was all eaten. Highly recommend.” The creamy sauce, aromatic herbs and hint of tang from the tomatoes make this a dish you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.
Try next: If you love this, you’ll also enjoy our creamy Tuscan chicken or creamy garlic pasta for more comforting, crowd-pleasing chicken dinners.
2. Microwave mug cake
Sometimes, only a quick fix will do. Our microwave mug cake has become a new go-to for those late-night sweet cravings, or when you want a treat without the washing up. Ready in minutes and endlessly customisable, it’s no wonder this speedy dessert has earned hundreds of five-star ratings. “This was easy to make and tasted so good. I highly recommend this recipe to anyone who’s starting out baking or just looking for something quick and easy as a dessert after a long day. I absolutely loved it,” shared one happy baker. Whether you prefer chocolate, vanilla or a fruity twist, this recipe is the ultimate solo pudding.
Try next: Explore our range of mug cake recipes, including vegan and gluten-free options, or give our hot chocolate mug cake a whirl.
3. Easy protein pancakes
With the rise of health-conscious cooking and a focus on high-protein breakfasts, our easy protein pancakes recipe has soared in popularity. These light, fluffy pancakes are perfect for fuelling busy mornings or post-workout brunches. Readers love how simple they are to whip up. “Lovely, light and fluffy, we made ours with chocolate protein and they were fabulous” is a top comment. Serve in stacks and top with nut butter, maple syrup and fruit for a balanced start to your day.
Try next: For more breakfast ideas, see our black forest breakfast bowl or breakfast egg wraps for a healthy savoury breakfast.
4. Classic margarita
It’s not just food that’s getting the Good Food community excited — tart and zingy cocktails are having a moment too. The classic margarita is a timeless favourite, ideal for summer gatherings or a Friday night in. With its perfect balance of tangy lime, smooth tequila and a hint of sweetness, this cocktail has become a staple for home bartenders. “My favourite cocktail. Followed this recipe exactly and this tastes exactly like how it does from a bar!” wrote one reviewer. Don’t forget the salt rim for that authentic finish.
Try next: If you’re in the mood for more tipples, explore our collection of classic cocktails, from mojito to Aperol spritz.
5. Burnt basque cheesecake
The burnt Basque cheesecake earned a cult following this year, thanks to its striking appearance and gorgeously creamy centre. Unlike other cheesecakes, there’s no biscuit base – just a deeply caramelised exterior giving way to a light, almost soufflé-like middle. It’s the ultimate showstopper for dinner parties or special occasions. “Wow. I made this twice over the weekend, the second to give to my daughter and son in law who introduced me to Basque cheesecake in the first place. Amazing dessert, so creamy and light. I served it with a tart morello cherry compote,” said one reader. Serve it plain or check out Matty Edgell’s salted caramel version which is served with chocolate sauce.
Try next: If you love a bake with a twist, try our millionaire’s cheesecake or lemon drizzle cake for more classic desserts.
6. Ginger shots
Wellness has been a major theme this year, and ginger shots have become a breakfast staple for many. Packed with zingy, immune-boosting goodness, these little shots are easy to make at home and far more affordable than shop-bought versions. “Amazing recipe! keeps the body going in the colder months,” said one enthusiastic reviewer. Blend fresh ginger with lemon and apple juice or a touch of honey for a fiery start to your day.
Try next: For more healthy breakfast inspiration, check out our smoky beans on toast or protein porridge.
7. School cake
Nostalgia is a powerful thing, and our multi-coloured school cake has brought back fond memories for many. This simple traybake, topped with a thick layer of icing and rainbow sprinkles, is a hit with both children and adults. “This is such a good easy make cake. My family love it and it’s often requested even for birthdays,” shared a reader. It’s easy, fun and perfect for bake sales or parties. Cut into squares and serve with hot custard, if you like.
Try next: For more retro bakes, try our jam roly-poly or black forest arctic roll
8. Honey chicken
A sticky, sweet-savoury sensation, our recipe for honey chicken has become a midweek favourite for families. Quick to prepare and wonderfully versatile, it’s delicious served over rice or with a side of steamed greens. One reviewer said, “Just made this and it was delicious, I added mixed peppers and it was bang on, even the kids loved it. This will now be our Tuesday night go to meal!”. The glossy sauce and tender chicken pieces make this a dish you’ll return to time and again.
Try next: Explore more chicken recipes such as this chicken & bacon pasta or chicken stroganoff for similar comfort and ease.
9. Pasta alla vodka
Pasta alla vodka has taken off in recent years as a creamy, tomato-rich pasta dish with a hint of chilli and – as you can guess – vodka, which balances out the intense flavours. It’s indulgent, fast and easy to make, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. “Absolutely delicious! The vodka really brings out the flavours! Loved it. Plus super fast and easy to make,” raved one home cook. Finish with a sprinkling of parmesan, a good grinding of black pepper and fresh basil for a flavoursome, high-fibre meal.
Try next: For more cosy pasta recipes, see our fajita-style pasta or Cajun chicken pasta.
10. Overnight oats
Overnight oats have become the breakfast hero of the year for their convenience and versatility. Prepare them the night before and wake up to a nutritious, grab-and-go meal. Readers love how easy it is to customise with fruit, nuts, seeds or a swirl of nut butter. “Great to know that a breakfast could be tasty, filling and easy to make. The combination of the almond butter and yogurt made for a nice topping,” said one reviewer. It’s a brilliant way to eat well without the morning rush.
Try next: If you’re a fan of make-ahead breakfasts, try our blueberry baked oats or healthy homemade granola for more energising starts.
11. Classic lasagne
No list of favourites would be complete without a hot, bubbling lasagne. This comforting, layered pasta bake is five-star, perennial winner, perfect for feeding a crowd or batch-cooking for the freezer. The combination of rich meaty sauce, creamy béchamel and gooey cheese is simply unbeatable. “This lasagne is an amazing dish, in fact the best I’ve ever cooked! Definitely a 5 out of 5. I cooked it with my daughter and it was very fun,” said one user.
Try next: For more hearty mains, see our one-pot chicken chasseur or lamb biryani.
12. One pot garlic chicken
This one pot garlic chicken has emerged as a weeknight saviour — minimal washing up, maximum flavour. Juicy chicken breasts cooked with plenty of garlic, cream and cheese make for a dish that’s as comforting as it is easy. “My fussy kids wolf this down! 5/5. Nice with a jacket potato and lots of veg on the side,” wrote one reviewer. Serve with rice and green beans, if you like.
Try next: For more one-pan wonders, try our nduja pasta or chicken provençal.
13. Roast pork with crackling
A Sunday roast is a British institution, and Barney’s recipe for roast pork with crackling is the centrepiece many aspire to perfect. Achieving that crisp, golden crackling is the holy grail, and this recipe delivers every time. One reader shared, “I cooked this today and it was amazing. The sauce was delicious with a lovely flavour of the apple […] It was a big hit with the family. Will definitely repeat.” Serve with apple & cider gravy, roast potatoes and all the trimmings.
Try next: For more roast inspiration, see our foolproof slow roast chicken or check out our step-by-step guide to the perfect Yorkshire puddings.
14. Thai red curry
For those who love bold, aromatic flavours, this Thai red curry has become a go-to. This recipe balances heat, fragrance and creaminess, and is easily adaptable to your favourite protein or vegetables. “Made for the first time, and it was delicious. Simple and straightforward to make,” commented one fan. Top with red chilli, a thumb-sized piece of ginger and a few extra basil leaves, then serve with jasmine rice.
Try next: For more global flavours, try our crispy sesame chicken or Mexican street corn soup.
15. Chicken jambalaya
Rounding out our top 15 is our chicken jambalaya — a healthy, flavour-packed one-pot inspired by the cuisine of Louisiana. Our highest-rated dinner recipe on the website, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and is as colourful as it is tasty. “I’ve made this jambalaya several times now with winning comments and requests for the recipe each time; it really is lovely. […] Love this recipe and will make again and again,” said one reviewer. Sliced chorizo, peppers and a kick of Cajun seasoning make this a dish to remember.
Try next: For more warming one-pots, try our one-pot prawn & lentil curry or salmon risotto.
Have you tried any of these recipes? Share your favourite twists and tips or let us know what you’d like to see next year. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, Good Food is here to help you make every meal memorable.
